W eekly The Old Jail Museum
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hillcountryweekly.com
Thursday, May 13
Celebrates Grand Opening
in Boerne with a Day of Festivities Exciting New Venue Brings Kendall County History to Life The Old Jail Museum, located at 208 E. San Antonio Ave., will officially open its doors on Saturday, May 15, with a special celebration from 3-9 p.m. featuring live music, Old West re-enactors, a silent auction, Birds of Prey show, tours and more. Additionally three local breweries are hosting the “Old Jail Pale Ale Tour” to help raise funds for the museum. Cibolo Creek Brewing Co, The Dodging Duck Brewhaus and Tusculum Brewing Co. are each brewing an exclusive Pale Ale and will donate $1 to the museum for each pint sold that day. Patrons will receive a stamp on a special card at each brewery when the Old Jail Pale Ale is purchased and those who visit all three can present it at the museum to earn a commemorative PAT badge. Kendall County’s newest attraction provides a look into the people, places and things that made the community what it is today that include a rich history of local law enforcement. The building
constructed in 1887 served as the third Kendall County Jail for 99 years and has been painstakingly restored to house this unique museum. Visitors will explore several exhibits including The Texas Rangers Battle of Walker’s Creek, a Hill Country Moonshine Still, history of local law enforcement and the Newton Boys. One can even be “locked” inside one of four original jail cells for a haunting immersive experience. Exhibits will rotate regularly so each visit will bring new topics to explore. “We are thrilled that this has all come together in a way that pays homage to the building itself that has its own story to tell,” said Dean Sprowl, president of Friends of the Kendall County Historic Jail. “We hope that everyone who comes to see us walks away with a greater appreciation for the area, it’s history and the interesting, and often times, odd stories surrounding law enforcement in Texas in the 19th and 20th centuries.” After the grand opening, the museum
will be open each Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry fee opening day and going forward is $5, with free admission for veterans, law enforcement officers and children under 10. “This has been a multi-year dream to put this together with support of Kendall County Judge Darrel Lux, County Commissioners and Sheriff Al Auxier. We are looking forward to being a vibrant part of Kendall County heritage for many years to come,” said Paul Barwick, vice president of Friends of the Kendall County Historic Jail. “In addition to a regular museum we plan to host several special events each year and bring Kendall County’s captivating history alive.” Other board members involved in bringing this project together include David Phillip, Roberta Belanger, Bryan Degner and Ron Cisneros. In addition to the board; numerous local donors, history organizations, contractors, family and friends have generously contributed to support and conserve Kendall
County’s cultural heritage. Throughout the event will be Old Jail tours, a vintage vehicle display, food truck, silent auction, visits from local Law Enforcement Officers including; Texas Rangers, the Kendall County Sheriff and Boerne Police, and Old West reenactors. Participating breweries open Saturday at 11 a.m.
OPENING DAY EVENTS 3 p.m. - O fficial Grand Opening Ceremony and Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony 4 p.m. – L ast Chance Forever Birds of Prey Show 5 p.m. – C ountry musician Billy Lister 6 p.m. – J on Whitaker music 7 p.m. – M usician Michael McMullen covering Johnny Cash 8 p.m. – M ichael McMullen covering Elvis Learn more about The Old Jail, current exhibits and history at thejail.org and like us at Facebook/kchistoricjail.
